Graham Linehan Acquitted of Harassment, Found Guilty of Criminal Damage

Graham Linehan, the Irish comedy writer known for creating the sitcom Father Ted, has been acquitted of harassing a teenage transgender activist on social media, though he has been found guilty of damaging the activist’s mobile phone. Linehan denied both allegations.

The verdict came from London’s Westminster Magistrates Court, where the judge determined that Linehan was guilty of criminal damage related to an incident involving the phone. He received a fine of £500 (around $655), plus £650 in costs and a £200 statutory surcharge.

During the trial, it was revealed that Linehan “deliberately smashed” the phone belonging to Sophia Brooks, a transgender activist who recorded the confrontation outside the Battle of Ideas conference last year. Brooks, who was born male but identifies as female, reportedly approached Linehan during this incident.

The court also heard evidence that Linehan had posted persistent abuse about Brooks on social media. However, the judge concluded that these posts did not rise to the level of harassment worthy of criminal charges. Linehan called Brooks a “sociopath,” “psychopath,” and other derogatory terms after their October encounter.

District Judge Bryony Clarke mentioned that while Linehan’s statements were “unattractive, bothersome, and upsetting,” they didn’t meet the legal threshold for harassment. The judge also commented on Brooks’ testimony, suggesting that it wasn’t entirely credible and that she may not have been as distressed by Linehan’s comments as she claimed. On the other hand, the judge found Linehan to be a “generally reliable witness.”

Post-verdict, Linehan expressed concerns regarding what he described as a “dangerous group of men” exploiting the legal system to further misogynistic goals. He asserted his commitment to standing up against them.

Brooks’ spokesperson, Stephanie Hayden, expressed satisfaction with the conviction, labeling Linehan a “thug” in a statement shared on social media.

In a separate incident, Linehan had been arrested at London Heathrow Airport in September for his social media critiques of transgender activists. His arrest sparked significant debate surrounding freedom of speech in the UK and drew criticism from various celebrities and public figures.

The investigation into his activities concluded in October when the Crown Prosecution Service decided no further action was necessary regarding the earlier arrest.